Method and apparatus for winding twine



June" 15 192s.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WINDING TWINE Filed March 6, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1,588,822 E. H. swAN METHOD AND APPARATS FOR WINDJ'NG TWINE Filed March e, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1,588,822 E. H. swAN I Patented June 15, 1926.

UNITED STATES 1,588,822 PATENT OFFICE."

ELIVOOD I-I. SWAN, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR TO THE lI'IOOVEN & ALLI- SON COMPANY, OFXENIA, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WINDING TWINE.

Application led March 6, 1925. Serial No.. 13,423.

This invention relates to improvements in winding machines, and more particularly to automatic machines for winding balls of binder twine or similar fibrous material.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for winding twine or the like whereby the loose or flying fibers of the material lbeing wound, which usually projectffrom the side faces of the finished roll -or ball to form a rough mat-like surface, are turned iny wardly and covered by succeeding strands of twine, thus providing a relatively smooth surface on the ends of the" balls. rlhe balls thus formed are not only neater in appearance but may be more readily handled and may be stacked one upon the other with greater facility than heretofore.

My invention consists broadly in the provision of compressed air means applied in jet form along` the opposite edges of the ball of twine as it is being wound, the jets being directed inwardly so as to blowthe loose or fiying fibers toward the centerof the ball so as to be covered by succeeding strands of twine.

My invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment thereof as applied to a typical automatic winding machine. i

Figure 1 is a perspective view looking downwardly from one side of a winding machine and showing the winding spindle and automatic spooling devices with my improved apparatus applied thereto.

Figure-2 isa view in elevation of a part of the winding machine shown in Figure 1.

In the form illustrated in the drawings, a typical winding machine has as its essential elements a rotary spindle 10` carried upon the machine frame 11 and rotated through the usual gearing connections, details of which need not be shown as they form no part of the present invention. lVinding machines of the type illustrated are usually provided with an automatic spooling device which in the form shown consists of a carriage 15 having a slotted guide member 16 mounted for movement therealong in a position parallel with the spindle 10. The transverse movement of the guide member 16 is controlled automatically in the usual manner to spool the twine 17 upon the ball 18 as the latter is being formed upon the spindle 10. The automatic spooling mechanism is not shown in detail, as its operation is well understood by those skilled in the art. The carriage 15 is preferably mounted on a swinging arm 2O pivoted at 21 and arranged so as to maintain the guidev 16. in contact with the surface-of the ball 18 as it is being formed. Any suitable means may be provided for this purpose as for instance, in the form shown gravity means are provided comprising a counter-weight 22 provided at the lower end of the lever arm 20.

Referring now more particularly to my invention as applied to the type of machine illustrated, itf will be observed that I provide a piping system connected with a source of compressed air, and .including a suitable supply line 25, valve 26. and flexible pipe connection 27 leading to a ed on the spooling carriage 15. A pair of pipes 30, 8O extend laterally from the T joint and curve forwardly at opposite ends of the carriage into positionto provide jet orifices 31,*31each directed inwardly tof Vward the sides 18a, 18CL of the ball18 at the periphery thereof. Any suitable means may be used for ,mounting the pipes 30, 30 on the carriage 15 as for `instance, in the form shown, a pair of'clips 32, 32 may be r1"- provided for this purpose.

VFrom the above description it willbe kunderstood that the .jets 31, 31 are maintained in proper position to blow the loose cr flying fibers of the strand 17 inwardly whenever said strand approaches or reaches the ends surfaces 18a, 18l at the periphery of the ball during the Winding operation. In this manner the loose or flying fibers will be laid down so as to be secured by superimposed windings. The finished ball of twine wound in this manner presents relatively smooth end surfaces 18, 18n which is a decided advantage not only in appearance but in making the balls easier to handle, and when stored in large quantities they may be stacked one upon the other with greater facility than is possible with the ordinary type of ball with rough mat-like end surfaces.

In the preferred form of mechanism illustrated it will be observed the jet pipes 30, 30 are mounted upon and carried with the movable carriage 15 in all of its positions so as to maintain the jets 31, 31 directly in line with the periphery of the end surfaces 18, 18a Where the jets are most effective, thus requiring relatively small jet pipes and a corresponding saving in the amount of compressed air required.

I further provide means in connection with the actuating devices of the Winding machine for automatically controlling` the flow of compressed air. In the form shown, this means comprises a belt shifting fork 40 for actuating the belt Lll in the usual manner and shifted by a handle 42 on shifter rod 43. In connection with the shifter rod, I attach a control rod 44 extending laterally into engagement with the end of a handle l5 for operating the compressed air supply valve 2G. The arrangement is such that when the shifter rod 48 is manipulated to throw the belt 4l into or out of driving` connection With t-he Winding mechanism, the valve 2G of the compressed air system Will be opened or closed by the .same movement of the shifter rod 43.

While I have shown and described one form of apparatus in which my improved method of Winding may be practiced, it Will be understood that many other forms of apparatus may be utilized Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. I therefore do not Wish to be understood as limiting myself to the specific apparatus, or method of practicing my invention as hereinabove disclosed, except in so far as defined in the appended claims.

1. The method of winding fibrous stranded material in rolls which consists in applying compressed air to the end surface of the ball in the direction of the axis thereof during the Winding operation.

Q. The method of Winding fibrous stranded material in rolls whichconsists in spooling the material in rolls of predetermined length, While a jet of compressed air is simultaneously directed toward the end surface of said rolls so as to turn any loose fibers inwardly tobe covered by superimposed strands of material. l

3. The method of winding fibrous stranded material in rolls which consists in spooling the material from a movable carriage maintained in contact with the lateral surface of said roll as the AWinding operation proceeds, and simultaneously directing a jet of compressed air inwardly at the end of the roll, said jets being maintained in fixed relation with said carriage to be substantially in longitudinal alignment with the periphery of said roll.

4f. In a Winding machine the combination With a spindle and means for Winding strandedl material thereon, of compressed air means having a discharge opening arranged adjacent one end `of said spindle and directed toward the latter in a plane substantially parallel with its axis.

5. In a Winding machine, in combination with a spindle and a spooling device movF able reciprocably along said spindle for Winding stranded material thereon, compressed air means having a discharge opening arranged at one end of said spooling device and directed inwardly substantially along the path of movement of the latter. 6. In a winding machine, in combination vvith a spindle, a reciprocably movable spool'- ing device, and a carriage for said spooling device having means for maintaining the latter in engagement with the ball on said spindle, compressed air means including a discharge pipe mounted on said carriage and movable therewith to direct a jet of air tovvard the ball at a point substantially opposite said spooling device.

Signed at North Kansas City, Mo., this Q3 day of February, 1925.

ELIVOOD H. SIVAN. 

